Medically reviewed by Dr. Sam Wood
Braces in the US cost $3,000 to $7,500 for traditional metal braces, $4,000 to $8,500 for ceramic, $8,000 to $13,000 for lingual (behind-the-teeth) braces, and $3,000 to $8,000 for clear aligners like Invisalign, with treatment lasting 12 to 30 months. The price covers all visits, adjustments, and usually the first set of retainers. Dental insurance with an orthodontic benefit typically pays $1,000 to $3,000 as a lifetime maximum, and Medicaid covers braces for children when medically necessary.
Braces cost by type
| Type | Typical US cost | Treatment time | Visible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional metal braces | $3,000 – $7,500 | 18 – 30 months | Yes |
| Ceramic (tooth-colored) braces | $4,000 – $8,500 | 18 – 30 months | Less |
| Self-ligating braces (Damon etc.) | $3,500 – $8,500 | 18 – 30 months | Yes (metal) or less (clear) |
| Lingual braces (behind teeth) | $8,000 – $13,000 | 18 – 36 months | No |
| Clear aligners (Invisalign) | $3,000 – $8,000 | 6 – 24 months | Barely |
| Mail-order aligners | $1,200 – $2,500 | 4 – 12 months | Barely |
| Retainers after treatment | $150 – $600 per set | Indefinite | Removable or bonded |
Metal braces remain the most cost-effective option and handle every kind of case. Ceramic brackets cost more because the material is pricier and more fragile. Lingual braces are custom-made for each tooth and require specialized training, hence the premium. Aligner pricing overlaps with braces; simple cases are cheaper, complex ones can cost more. See how much Invisalign costs for the aligner-specific breakdown.
What drives the price up or down
- Complexity. Closing a small gap is a short, cheap case. Correcting a severe overbite with extractions is a long, expensive one. Orthodontists price by estimated treatment time and difficulty.
- Age. Children’s cases can be simpler because the jaw is still growing; adults sometimes need longer treatment. Prices are similar per case, but adults more often need additional work.
- Location. Large coastal cities run 20 to 40 percent above the national range; rural and Midwestern areas fall at the lower end.
- Provider. Orthodontists charge more than general dentists offering braces, and for anything beyond a simple case they are worth it.
- Two-phase treatment. Some children get an early phase around age seven to nine (expanders, partial braces) and a second phase in the teens. Each phase is priced separately, often $1,500 – $4,000 for phase one.
- Extras. Palatal expanders, headgear, jaw surgery, or extractions add to the total.
What is included in the quote
A standard orthodontic fee in the US is a case fee, not a per-visit charge. It usually includes the initial records (photos, X-rays, scans), the appliances, all adjustment visits for the planned treatment length, removal, and one set of retainers. Ask specifically about:
- What happens if treatment runs longer than planned (many offices include a buffer; some charge monthly after it)
- Replacement cost for broken brackets or lost aligners
- Whether retainers are included, and the cost of replacements
- Retainer check visits after treatment
Does insurance cover braces?
Only if your dental plan includes an orthodontic benefit; many basic plans do not. When it does:
- Coverage is typically 50 percent of the fee, up to a lifetime maximum of $1,000 to $3,000 per person. This is separate from the annual maximum for other dental work.
- Many plans cover orthodontics only for dependents under 19. Adult coverage is less common.
- Some plans have a waiting period of 6 to 12 months after enrollment before orthodontic benefits start.
- Treatment already in progress when you enroll is often excluded or prorated.
The orthodontist’s office bills the insurer directly, often in installments over the treatment period. Ask them to check your benefits before you commit.
Medicaid and CHIP
Medicaid and CHIP cover braces for children under 21 in every state when they are medically necessary, meaning the misalignment affects function: a severe overbite, underbite, crossbite, impacted teeth, cleft palate, or a bite that impairs chewing or speech. Cosmetic crowding usually does not qualify. Each state uses a scoring index to decide, and the orthodontist submits records for approval. Adult Medicaid dental coverage varies widely by state and rarely includes orthodontics.
Ways to pay less
- Payment plans. Nearly every orthodontist offers interest-free monthly payments over the treatment period, with a down payment of a few hundred to a thousand dollars.
- Pay in full discount. Often 3 to 7 percent off.
- FSA or HSA. Orthodontics is an eligible expense, paid with pre-tax dollars.
- Dental schools. Orthodontic residency clinics treat patients at 30 to 50 percent below private practice rates, with supervision by faculty. Treatment can take longer and appointments are less flexible.
- Family discounts. Many practices reduce the fee for a second child.
- Get two or three consultations. Most are free, and fees for the same case can vary by thousands of dollars.
- Metal over ceramic. Choosing standard metal brackets saves $500 to $1,500 with no difference in results.
Are mail-order aligners a safe way to save?
Direct-to-consumer aligner companies sell treatment for a fraction of orthodontist prices by skipping in-person exams and X-rays. The American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association have both warned against orthodontic treatment without an in-person examination, because tooth movement without checking the roots, bone, and gums can cause real damage, and because no one is monitoring progress. They can work for very mild spacing in adults with healthy mouths, but the savings carry risk. A consultation with an orthodontist is free; take it before deciding.
When to see a dentist
See a dentist or orthodontist for an evaluation if you or your child have crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth, a bite where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly, difficulty chewing or biting, jaw pain or clicking, teeth that wear unevenly, or speech problems related to teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child be evaluated by age seven. During braces treatment, see the orthodontist promptly for a broken bracket, a wire poking the cheek, or a loose band; see a dentist for pain, swelling, or bleeding gums that do not improve with brushing.
Frequently asked questions
How much are braces for adults?
About the same as for children for a comparable case: $3,000 to $7,500 for metal braces and $3,000 to $8,000 for aligners. Adults are more likely to choose ceramic, lingual, or aligner options, which cost more, and less likely to have insurance coverage for orthodontics.
How much are braces with insurance?
With a typical orthodontic benefit of 50 percent up to a $1,500 to $2,500 lifetime maximum, expect to pay $2,000 to $5,500 out of pocket for a $4,000 to $7,500 case. The benefit is a fixed cap, so it covers a smaller share of expensive treatments.
How much are braces per month?
Most orthodontists finance the fee interest-free over the treatment period. For a $5,000 case with a $500 down payment over 24 months, the monthly payment is about $190. Terms vary by office.
Do braces hurt?
Placing braces is painless. The teeth ache for two to five days after they go on and after each adjustment, at a level that over-the-counter pain relievers manage. Brackets can rub the lips and cheeks at first; orthodontic wax helps until the tissue toughens.
How long do you have to wear braces?
Typically 18 to 24 months, with a range of 12 to 36 depending on how much the teeth need to move. Aligners for mild cases can take as little as six months. Retainers are then worn indefinitely to keep the result.
Is there an age limit for braces?
No upper limit. Teeth can be moved at any age as long as the gums and bone are healthy. Children generally start once most permanent teeth are in, around age 11 to 13, though some problems are treated earlier.
Sources
- American Association of Orthodontists – Braces
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy) – Braces
- Medicaid.gov – Dental care
- Cleveland Clinic – Braces
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed dentist about your specific situation.